Dream Maker Honored Founder Of Camelot Also Skewered In Fun

April 22, 1994|by AJOWA IFATEYO, The Morning Call

A single rose led to the founding of a safehouse for chronically or terminally ill children, Camelot for Children.

Last night hundreds of roses -- red, pink and yellow roses -- were used to celebrate the vision and work of one of the group's co-founders, Kostas Kalogeropoulos, at the organization's first annual "Banquet of Roses."

Parents can leave their children at Camelot House in Allentown for care when they have to work, run errands or attend social events.

Kalogeropoulos, 47, a Bath businessman, got involved with the organization when Patricia Mullin, the other founding member, saw an article about Kalogeropoulos' work creating fantasies for disabled, chronically- or terminally-ill children through Dreams Come True, a group he had created.

Touched by his work, Mullin, whose two children were born with cystic fibrosis, had sent Kalogeropoulos a single red rose with a note asking if there was a way she could help set up a house to help the children once they had been to Disney World, or wherever their fantasy led them. That was 10 years ago.

"I wanted so badly for sick children to have a house and to share time," she recalled. "I felt like I had to get his attention."

Kalogeropoulos, who believed it wasn't enough to have children come back to their same lives, contacted her. Mullin joined the board and five years later Camelot opened to help the families of children, picking up where Dream Come True ends.

Last's night banquet of roses at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Fogelsville included a roast of Kalogeropoulos and tributes to his work and vision.

The banquet also served to recognize those who support the work of the organization and to raise money to ensure its future.

A silent auction featuring everything from a signed picture of Susan Lucci to fur coats was also a part of the event. Each table had an arrangement of white carnations and a single rose. Even the menu featured a tribute to Kalogeropoulos: It featured "Chicken Kostas," with broccoli and a white sauce.

Kalogeropoulos is vice-president of operations for Motel Associates Hotel Group, which operates 16 hotels, including the Sheraton Jetport and Holiday Inn Conference Center.

He said last night that is resigning as chairman of Camelot because he believes others should get an opportunity to lead the organization.

"I felt it was time to let the other people carry on and bring in new ideas," he said. However, he added that he would continue to work to create public support for the organization.

Camelot Board President Thomas Reilly confirmed that Kalogeropoulos's link to the organization would remain strong. "I can run the organization but we need his vision for (a) life(time)," he said. "Camelot is really Kostas and Kostas is Camelot."

Many who worked with Kalogeropoulos over the years said before the program that his altruism stems in part from his having had the opportunity to emigrate to America and become successful. With Dream Come True he wanted to give something back.

"Money unfortunately is one of the vehicles need to do this thing," Kalogeropoulos said.

He also never had an idea the organization would be as big as it has become, working now on its 500th "dream."

Several board members proudly told the story of how Kalogeropoulos came to this country as an illegal alien with a little more than $100 in his pocket. It was one he has told many times, they said.

"He's lived the American dream," said honorary board member Scott Stoneback. "He came here for a better life. He found it and as a result of that decided to give something back to the community. That is the true test of citizenship," he said.

Last Christmas Eve, Kalogeropoulos threw a party for 2,500 people down on their luck at the Sheraton Hotel in Hanover Township.

He also considered a run for the Republican nomination for the 15th Congressional District, but in February announced that he would not run because he did not want to split the party.

Kalogeropoulos was given a standing ovation after a hot roasting visually and verbally by co-workers and friends.

"He's the best damn American I've ever met," said Jay Barrett of Geiger Beverage after several jokes at Kalogeropoulos' expense.

"Your contribution to mankind makes you an example of what I hope my sons would be," said Jack Gary of the Order of AHEPA, a Greek-American civic club.

Also acknowledged at the program were businesses and groups who have aided Camelot without being asked.

They included Straight Arrow Products of Bath, which contributes personal care products; Yeager's Fuel, which has provided heating oil since the group's inception, and AT&T Telephone Pioneers, which has committed itself to raising $25,000 in five years to build a gym and social addition to Camelot House.